Chapter 3
Exactly at 2 PM Sakuya got to the mentioned place. She approached to the spreading oak that dominated over other trees proudly and looked at her Luna Dial. At the same time Marisa came. The magician jumped to the ground from her broom leaning it onto the tree and taking out her mini-Hakkero.
– Yo, Sakuya. Let's not lose time!
– What? You want to have a danmaku-fight? – Sakuya raised her eyebrows, surprised.
– Eh? Ya mean you called me here not for that, ze? – Marisa asked her perplexedly.
– Certainly not. I believe the problem that affects someone's feelings for the other person is not something that could be solved by a fight after all. Relax a bit. Let's just have a talk.
The witch frowned putting away her weapon though:
– Really? What kind of a talk do you wanna have after you told me all that stuff earlier, ze?
Sakuya ignored her unfriendly tone:
– Hey.. Tell me one thing. If you are that worried about Alice, what are you going to do to help her? Even though she makes herself busy with her dolls and all that stuff, it's not that easy for her to bear this loneliness at all. I saw it clearly yesterday. Something definitely should be changed.
– Alice won't be alone anymore. Since this day I'll be there for her.
The maid hesitated and bit her lip before saying quietly:
– Marisa.. You know what she feels for you, right?.. Then you should understand that being with Alice because of pity would be much more painful for her than the current state. When she realizes that being close to you she still cannot achieve your love, that will be you of all people who'll make her really miserable.
Marisa reverted her eyes and mumbled: – You don't need to worry about it.. I would never break her heart like that, ze.
– But you've been doing it some other way all this time. – Sakuya answered in a low voice.
That simple phrase suddenly made the witch flinch looking at the girl helplessly and at the same time with a challenge:
– Jeez, stop being that cold-blooded, Sakuya! As if you understand what I feel!..
The maid smiled inwardly staying calm on the surface and asked:
– Could it be that you actually need her?..
– Yeah. – Marisa dropped her head and stayed silent for a while. Then she continued quietly with a sigh: – I do need her. I realized it several months ago, ze.. I've known her for years. And as we spent time together during all those incidents and feasts, I suddenly understood that she.. well, she captivates me. To the extend that I wanna leave everything I have and just be with her instead, ze. This feeling was so damn intensive that it frightened me. Through all my life I've been free, you know – my decisions and lifestyle didn't depend on anybody. I had never thought seriously 'bout being with anyone, ze. Sheesh, I was just glad with the way I spent my usual days – having tea at Reimu's, hitting your library, wandering through all Gensokyo, borrowing things here and there.. And suddenly I understood that all I like so much wasn't the real joy and goal of my life, ze, and I can sacrifice all of these things for just being with Alice Margatroid, the same persistent crybaby whom I used to move to tears ever since we first met!
Marisa looked now straight at Sakuya's eyes, her gaze extremely honest.
– More important, there's another reason for all of that. I've always known this girl likes me, ze.. Such kind of desperate affection is not something you could not notice, right? And it certainly requires the same feeling in return. I-I mean when I started to like Alice, I was afraid that maybe it was just a temporary thing for me to go head over heels for her. And I definitely knew I'd never wanna hurt her saying "sorry dear, it seems I don't need you anymore". That's why I decided to wait for some time, ze, and not to get in touch with her too often. Just ran away, heh.. But it's half a year that passed already, ze, and I still feel the same, even though I don't communicate with her much and just watch her flying by. Nothing changed!
Actually, I haven't slept at all tonight – was thinking it over, you see. I dunno how long it could go on like this, really. It seems deep inside I thought she'd always be waiting for me. That's why I kept lingering for the time being, ze. But now you two come and say you'll take her away having a nice threesome an'all that! And to feel she could belong to anybody else but me – without even giving her a chance to be really loved and get her happiness in the end – it hurts, Sakuya! It damn hurts, ze! That's why I am finally ready to come out of my damn corner and surrender to my feelings! – Marisa paused for a second and then added:
– I.. I don't actually know how to take care of anybody. And I'm afraid, ze. But I will learn! If you really love your Remilia, you should understand yourself how I feel. If Alice still loves me, I will never ever give her away to anyone. And if not.. – At those words the witch raised her voice decisively: – If not, I'll spend all my life making her fall in love with me all over again!
Listening to such a talk Sakuya wasn't even able to hide her contented smile. "So I was right in the end," – She thought with proud and relief.
– I got it, – the maid said finally. – If that's what you really feel, go and take her, Witch. I won't be an obstacle anymore.
– Really? – Marisa asked in disbelief. – Why? It's not like you to surrender so fast, ze!
– Well.. I'm not that hard-hearted as you think after all. I just want to see Alice completely delighted next time she invites me for tea! – Sakuya grinned turning serious straight away:
– Just don't forget. If you ever make her miserable, you'll have to face me. I decided to support this girl and I'm not the one who goes back at her words. – Sakuya stretched her hand to Marisa. – So is it a deal?
– Well, your danmaku is not something that can make me frightened, ze! But don't worry, I never break my promises to myself either. So in regard to this situation I won't ever intend to give you any points for revenge. So.. – The blonde smiled widely then gripped Sakuya's hand and shook it tightly. – Deal, ze!
– Ok then. Well, it's time for me to return to the Mansion, – the Head Maid answered. – Oh, and before I leave.. There's one more thing, Marisa.
– Huh?
– Don't worry – as far as I can see, Alice's heart is still yours. And as for other things you told me.. – She made a pause: – You don't need to be that afraid either. Being with this girl doesn't mean you have to give up on all of your usual duties. Instead of locking yourself together with her try to show her the world from your perspective. Love requires concessions from both sides but not subordination. I think she'd be happy to visit Reimu and our Mansion or Hakugyokuro and so on together with you sometimes.. And to scold you for your nonchalant lifestyle lovingly. To make you dinner when you come home from somewhere and lots of other things, too. Just stay positive as you always were and everything's going to be all right!
– Jeez.. – Marisa turned away to take her broom, her cheeks reddened: – After yesterday talk I didn't think I'll be doing it, but it seems I should thank you, Maid. Thanks. Really. I'll remember your advice.
– You're welcome. And if you really feel grateful, just try not to disturb Lady Patchouli so much next times you visit us! – Sakuya inclined her head sideways gracefully and winked. – So. Let's reach our goals now! Bye!
– See ya, ze! – The magician waved her hand, fixed her black hat a bit and hurried to Alice's house that was nearly 50 meters away, hidden behind the trees.
Since Sakuya's way to the Mansion was in the same direction, she followed the witch a bit taking the forest path right before the house. The last words that reached her after the blonde knocked on the door were: – Hey, Alice, long time to see, ze! Eh? What do ya mean "what are you doing here"? I just heard from Sakuya that your tea is super-delicious! That's why I decided that since today I'll be visiting you regularly and checking it myself, ze! Whaaat? Don't call me presumptuous – I'll be a good girl, promise! Ha-ha! So.. may I come in? Really? Excellent! Thanks, ze!
Sakuya laughed quietly and murmured joyfully touching the blue scarf on her neck: "It seems I was able to help not only Alice after all.."